Putting Myself out there

[SuperDan]

In an effort to really break out of my shell, I have finally decided to upload some self-portraits...
Ive been playing with the idea for a few weeks now, and just was .... scared...

Please, I am looking for any critiques...
These images are SOOC ...
I want to do some pp, but dont know where or what to do... thinking of some dodge & burns...

but, mostly, just putting myself out there... I took these tonight while working on one of my other passions... my Honda VTX 1800

Is the lighting off? do the compositions work?

Exposure: 0.6
Aperture: f/4.8
Focal Length: 116 mm
Focal Length: 116.5 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: +1/3 EV


For years Ive been overweight and hated my own pictures... over a year of hard work I've lost over 80lbs and am able to break a little out of my shell... but... still afraid... to be honest, these pics dont really tell a good story of my weight loss, but... need to get out there.. for if you are always in your comfort zone you will never learn

Thanks for looking and any critique you can offer is appreciated!

[fuscom]

First off, as a fellow enthusiast, beautiful bike. Love the way you've manage to get the colors to pop on it. The color photos, I believe are the way to go in this series. The b/w version tends to make the bike blend too much into the background. As far as composition is concerned, I'd like to see the attention being primarily on you, or the bike. Right now it's a pretty even share. Finally, you might consider simplfiying the scene, you got alot going on there with all the shop equipment.

[Laurenbiz]

I think the colors are fine - I wouldn't suggest any dodging or burning here.

I do suggest that you take similar photos of just you and the bike outdoors in a field, standing by a brick wall, outside a building, etc. The backgrounds in these photos are too busy for my taste, and I would rather see photos that are less cluttered with simple backgrounds!

[irishmuth]

I don't love the composition - the storage box on the wall behind your head is distracting as is the purple towel in the bottom right. But I think what bothers me is your pose over the bike...I kinda get the sense that this was a self-portrait where you had to hit the shutter timer and quick run over to the bike, leaving you with very few options for how to position yourself before the camera fired.

I do love the colors of the bike and both the lighting and the focus look very good to me. I agree with the suggestion of trying to do this outside of the garage. I'd also pay attention after your first couple of shots of what is being refelcted in the mirror. It look like it's reflecting a door frame right now, which isn't real interesting.

That sounded like a lot of nitpicking for a shot that I like a lot. But I think it could be even better.

[SuperDan]

A big THANKS for the critiques.... i do see that this was edited and two of the photos removed as didnt read the critique rules exactly.. im used to just "sharing"

to defend myself a lil is that i am in the middle of a tear down and doing some engine work to it, hence the blue blanket on the front and the purpleish on the floorboard... (they are protecting my chrome)


@fuscom: i was going for wide open to soften the backgrounds, but didnt really get the effect i wanted...

@Laurenbiz: I actually have an exact spot and all for where i am going to take myself with the bike against brick

this was taken at 10:30 last night after the kids were to bed and the wife is out of town... so....

Thank You though

[SuperDan]

see the original set here : 1st self +2 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[irishmuth]

I'd like to see the action shot that is in b&w in full color.

[eleazarparadise]

Good people and professionals don't care that you are overweight. You don't have to love your shape but at least learn to care less about the opinions of others. The picture is good but it would have been stronger if you were posed in front of the bike in a strong, powerful stance. Not scary but use a strong confident pose. I think you and the rest of us will enjoy it more.

Keep up the good work.